Black Rock (Vic.)

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Based on assessments of ABS population updates for the wider region and new addresses validated by Districts since the Census, the population of the suburb of Black Rock (Vic.) is estimated to be approximately 6,667 as of May 2026. This represents an expansion of 278 people (4.4%) from the 2021 Census, which documented a population of 6,389 people. This variation is derived from the resident population of 6,655, calculated by Districts following analysis of the latest ERP data release by the ABS (June 2025) and an additional 28 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level translates to a density ratio of 2,090 persons per square kilometer, which exceeds the typical average across national locations evaluated by Districts. The 4.4% growth since census for the suburb of Black Rock (Vic.) places it within 1.6 percentage points of the SA3 area (6.0%), showing competitive growth dynamics. Population growth in the locality was primarily driven by overseas migration, which served as almost the sole driver of population gains during recent periods.

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Black Rock has a highly educated workforce, with professional services strongly represented, an unemployment rate of only 2.6%, and relatively stable employment over the past year, according to Districts aggregation of statistical area data. As of March 2026, 3,628 residents are employed, while the unemployment rate is 2.2% below Greater Melbourne's rate of 4.8%, and workforce participation is significantly lower (64.3% compared to Greater Melbourne's 70.2%). Based on Census responses, a high 48.0% of residents worked from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be taken into account.

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Districts' latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 indicates that income in the suburb of Black Rock is exceptionally high nationally, with the median calculated at $66,079 while the average income is $116,371. This contrasts with Greater Melbourne's figures of a median income of $57,688 and an average income of $75,164. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.62% since financial year 2023, current estimates would be approximately $72,436 (median) and $127,566 (average) as of March 2026. According to 2021 Census figures, household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Black Rock, positioning between the 84th and 88th percentiles nationally. Income brackets show the $4000+ bracket dominates with 31.2% of residents (2,080 people), differing from patterns across the metropolitan region where - dominates with . Higher earners represent a substantial presence with exceeding weekly, indicating strong purchasing power within the community. After housing costs, residents retain of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the th decile.

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Dwelling structure within Black Rock, as assessed at the latest Census, consisted of 56.1% houses and 44.0% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), compared to Melbourne metro's 67.9% houses and 32.1% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Black Rock was significantly above that of Melbourne metro, at 50.7%, with the remaining dwellings either mortgaged (31.5%) or rented (17.9%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Melbourne metro average at $2,897, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $541, compared to Melbourne metro's $2,000 and $390. Nationally, Black Rock's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

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Family households dominate at 74.5% of all households, comprising 33.7% couples with children, 32.3% couples without children, and 7.8% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 25.5%, with lone person households at 24.3% and group households comprising 1.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people is smaller than the Greater Melbourne average of 2.6.

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Educational attainment in Black Rock significantly exceeds broader benchmarks, with 46.1% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia and 33.4% in VIC. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 30.9%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (10.8%) and graduate diplomas (4.4%). Vocational pathways account for 24.2% of qualifications among those aged 15+ – advanced diplomas (12.3%) and certificates (11.9%).

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Public transport analysis reveals 26 active transport stops operating within Black Rock comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 5 individual routes, collectively providing 733 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as good, with residents typically located 211 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward - car remains the dominant mode at 86%, with 6% by train and 4% walking. Vehicle ownership averages 1.5 per dwelling, above the regional average. A high 48.0% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

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Health outcomes data demonstrates outstanding results across Black Rock, based on Districts' assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence with very low prevalence of common health conditions across all age groups , and the rate of private health cover found to be exceptionally high at approximately 73% of the total population (4,837 people). This compares to 56.7% across Greater Melbourne. The national average is 55.7%.

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Black Rock was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 11.6% of its population speaking a language other than English at home and 25.5% born overseas. The main religion in Black Rock was found to be Christianity, which makes up 48.1% of people in Black Rock. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Judaism, which comprises 0.8% of the population, compared to 1.0% across Greater Melbourne.

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With a median age of 49, Black Rock is materially older than the Greater Melbourne figure of 37 and also well above the 38-year national average. The age profile shows 65 - 74 year-olds are particularly prominent (14.7%), while the 25 - 34 group is comparatively smaller (5.6%) than in Greater Melbourne. This 65 - 74 concentration is well above the national 9.4%. Since the 2021 Census, the 75 to 84 age group has grown from 8.0% to 10.1% of the population, while the 15 to 24 cohort increased from 11.8% to 13.8%. Conversely, the 45 to cohort has declined from to and the to group dropped from to . Looking ahead to demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Black Rock's age structure. Leading the demographic shift, the to group will grow by ( people), reaching from . Notably, the combined + age groups will account for of total population growth, reflecting the area's aging demographic profile. In contrast, the to and to cohorts are expected to experience population declines.

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Black Rock currently has an estimated 213 children under 5 years old, comprising approximately 126 children aged 0-2 and 84 children aged 3-4. This cohort declined by an estimated 14% since the previous census. while population forecasts indicate future decline, with an anticipated decrease of 3% by 2041 (to approximately 207 children). Meanwhile the 5-12 cohort currently amounts to 554. Birth rates in the area have averaged 6.0 per 1,000 residents over the latest two-year period, a low rate (among the bottom 20% of areas assessed nationally). This rate has slowed down slightly in recent years however.